Report of the Government Botanist for the year ending 30th June 1874

7t/ 'D l i • 0 *

1874 .

VICTORIA.

(ViA^ 7 $ ^ 0 ^

REPORT

OF THE

GOVERNMENT BOTANIST

FOR THE

YEAR ENDING 30th JUNE 1874.

PRESENTED TO BOTH HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY’S COMMAND.

No. 70.

ftutfjoritg :

JOHN FERRES, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MELBOURNE.

)

APPROXIMATE COST OF REPORT.

Preparation — Not given.
Printing, (770 copies)

£ s. d.
10 8 0

REPORT.

The Honorable Robert Ramsay , tyc., fyc., fyc.

Melbourne, August 1874.
Sir,

In compliance with your communication of the 6th instant, I have now the
honor of submitting to you a record of the progress of my departmental labors during
the last financial year. Though like in all former years of my administration, so also
in this, my time, far beyond the ordinary office hours, allotted to official engagements,
has been given to the public service, yet with all unabating efforts I have been
compelled to draw the line of my operations during the last twelve months into far
more narrow limits than I could have wished for the current requirements and for the
anticipated necessities of my departmental obligations. Such labors as still coidd be
carried out may be classed as —

(1.) The routine work of the office, with its daily calls for information,
either orally or in correspondence.

(2.) The phytographic engagements for descriptive works.

(3.) The industrial researches in connection with indigenous and foreign
plants.

(4.) The travels for the continuation of the field-studies, concerning
the Victorian vegetation.

(5.) The issue of educational collections.

In referring successively to these series of engagements I shall consider it mv
duty to explain also the future requirements of each ; and I shall simultaneously
place before you statements on those branches of the service w hich, after the temporary
withdrawal of most of the working votes of the department, and also of nearly all the
buildings, came to a standstill. I shall do this with all the more freedom as it is
expected, that in a professional department, of which, in this instance, I am the founder,
the head of the establishment is to afford to the honorable the Ministerial chief every
advice ; and inasmuch as my institution was encouraged for many years by
enlightened legislative approval, I do entertain the hope, that my explanations wall
lead' to such a reorganization of my department as w ill enable me to do, honorably,
justice to the branch of public service entrusted to my responsible care.

The routine work then of the department from the 1st of July 1873 till the
30th June 1874 consisted of issuing about 2,000 letters, or communications equiva-
lent to letters, irrespective of such collateral correspondence as may not be strictly
official, like that on geographic exploration, but which, nevertheless, remains intimately
connected with my researches on Australian plants, and which largely tends to add to
our collections and other means of phy to logic study. That the ordinary corre-
spondence should be so extensive cannot be surprising when it is eonsideied that the
vegetation merely of Australia consists of about 11,000 species of plants (the
minutest fungi, Desmidiacese and I)iatomc;e uncounted), that not only on any ot
these the most varied enquiry arises, but that in like manner information is also
expected at any time on any extra- Australian plants, numbering already about
120,000 species (their varieties not even considered). It is also easily understood
how increasing demand here for information manifests itself on these almost number-
less indigenous and foreign plants, all of which, in the great household of natuie,
have their assigned uses, though as yet their value may be largely buried in ob-
scurity, and can be rendered only more fully known by the progressive strides, of
science. But, with the augmented calls for information arising in an increasing
community, enlarged means for extended research and wider diffusion of knowledge
become needful. It is almost unnecessary to add that, so far as the a rsence of any
kind of office accommodation admitted of it, daily advice and explanations have been

afforded^ ^ gec(md category 0 f the service belongs the issue (during the year) of
the sixth volume of the Flora of Australia , in the elaboration of which I am engaged
with Mr. Bentham in London, who is the principal author of the work, but whose

4

main material is obtained from our museum collections and from tbe notes which
accompany them. These collections were commenced by me in Australia already in
1847, and their augmentation has continued uninterruptedly ever since. The supply
of copies of the new volume alluded to has been duly received from the Agent-
General so far as the Victorian Government is entitled, and a number of the copies
have been distributed to public institutions. During the year my own preliminary
labors for the seventh volume have been continued, comprising connected researches on
the Grasses of Australia, of which we possess, according to our collections, about 250
species ; further, on Rushes, Sedges and allied plants (the difficult order of Restiaceae,
numbering alone about 70 species), on Najadeso and cognate groups, on Palms and
various other monocotyledonous plants, the Cyperacese alone remaining yet to be
finally examined here for the seventh volume, since the Liliace® and cognate plants, as
well as all the Ferns, have undergone already previously my local scrutiny. The vast
material accumulated under my hands for arrangement has enabled me to assign to
numerous genera, species and varieties now at last a settled systematic position,
involving unavoidable and extensive changes in previous appellations, as reference to
my recent writings on grasses and some other orders of plants will amply testify.
Nor should be lost sight of the fact, in estimating the task involved, that the grasses of
Victoria, or indeed any other of our plants, could only be systematically elaborated in
conjunction with those of any other part of Australia, and that again the Australian
species, as a whole, could not be properly and permanently defined except in com-
parison with those of all other parts of the globe. Most likely the seventh volume of
the Australian Flora will appear in 1875 ; but it requires to be followed by a supple-
mental volume on the cotyledonar plants, for which my manuscripts and notes are
largely prepared ; then, subsequently, will also be due two volumes on Mosses,
Lichens, Alga:: and Fungi, for the elaboration of which, however, even the continued
sacrifice of a considerable share of my yearly official income would not provide all
the needful books, journals and instruments.

It fell also to my share during the year to furnish a botanical appendix to the
creditable works of Mr. F. A. Campbell, of Geelong, on the New Hebrides and
Loyalty Islands, from collections there formed on my suggestions, by the author,
during his visit to those groups. By such means we have obtained the first connected
records of the insular vegetation of those spots of the globe, after the lapse of more
than a century since their discovery. Such opportunities for research should also be
seized on by other travellers, and especially by educated settlers residing on these
islands, as thereby will be gained not merely an advancement for phytographic science,
but also a closer acquaintance with the natural productions of any of the Pacific
insular lands, to the advantage also of Australian industries and commerce.

For the department of Mines, from material considerately placed at my
disposal by IL Brough Smyth, Esq., have been furnished some additional contributions
towards \ ictoria.ii vegetable palaeontology, by which further became known the
vegetation of our pliocene period, remarkable for its densely umbrageous trees of
almost tropical types, which, as very recently ascertained, spread over very extensive
areas, where in the present creation nothing of the past physiognomic grandeur of
the vegetation is left. The eighth volume of the Fragmenta Phyiographice Australia
Inis so far advanced as to render its conclusion by the tnd of 1874 possible. As
originally designed, this work has been reserved for the promulgation of absolutely
new observations. To render these accessible to all nations alike, au ancient lammagre.

taught at every
dinar

school, is chosen for its construction. With

. . . an extraor-

lnjustice it has been repeatedly and pointedly made to appear on public
occasions, as if this was the only language adopted for my scientific writings ; whereas
all my other works are written in the English, and not in any other language ever
sinre ( am in Australia. 1 he new volume of the Fragmenta can, however, not be
illustrated in the manner of most of the former ones, unless a special sum is anew
uo\ mod for lithographic and xylographic plates, illustrative to my various works;

fair progress such would engage almost exclusively the time of
years or more the lithograms of the Victorian plants,
carried from the Thalamiflone to the Monoclilamydese,
nor could the necessary 150 small woodcuts for a flora of

vith any intentions for
au artist. Thus since four
which as yet have only been
C0l dd not be continued
Victoria be pr
witl

orm be prepared, nor special illustrations be furnished of the Grasses and Eucalypts,
i extensive analytic details, although all this was so long intended, and would signally
piomo.e scientific application to industrial and pastoral pursuits.

5

Before leaving this subject it is iu bare justice but right to acknowledge the
uniform readiness and urbanity, experienced through very many years from Mr. Ferres,
the Government Printer, in passing my works through the press, so far as this could
he done without any special vote from the Legislature ; likewise is it my pleasing duty
to bestow every praise on the correct excellence of the print, the composition of which
requiring classical knowledge. It is my intention, with your approval, to issue in
1875 “a census of Australian plants ’’for easy reference to Museum collections, to
technologic objects from native vegetable resources, to any Australian garden-plants,
or indeed to any other native phytologic object requiring scientific classification.

Proceeding next to a record of my industrial researches through the year, I
wish respectfully to draw your attention to a chapter iu the new volume of our
Acclimatization Society giving “ additions to the lists of the principal timber trees
and other select plants readily eligible for Victorian industrial culture,” by which
publication my previous notes on 300 species of the more important timber trees,
and on 700 other plants of prominent value, became supplemented to the extent
of about 370 species, while cursorily allusion is made to many more. It may be
worthy of your consideration, whether it would be desirable to reissue these three
lists in a connected form with such augmentations as already I can offer ; for
although the Acclimatization Society distributed a large number of copies, besides
several hundreds printed and distributed on my private expense — all done with a
view of diffusing information on many rural industries- — yet the supply proved
to fall far short of demand. It would, however, be desirable that, for all such prints
of considerable extent, in just fairness to every branch of the Government service,
special votes should be provided, as is already the case in several other departments.
I can also place unreservedly at the disposal of the Government a translation,
prepared in the course of the last few r years as a bye-work, of Dr. Wittstein’s
meritorious volume on Chemical Analyses of Plants and their Products, the trans-
lation into the English language having been granted to myself by the illustrious author.
But the withdrawal of my laboratory and its apparatus and instruments from me, and
the discontinuation of the modest former fund for employing an operator, and obtaining
the necessary chemicals and other requisites, have brought all my active laboratory
researches to a close. Their bearing on our yet largely latent resources and industries
may, however, be demonstrated by the fact, that at the London Industrial Exhibition,
during this year, one of the highest rewards was bestowed on the very last products
and educts, sent from my laboratory. Entirely novel in this rather extensive series
of exhibits were, on this occasion, the samples of tar-oils from Eucalyptus globulus,
all distinct in their specific gravity, boiling-point, color, solvent power, odor and
other physical properties. The percentage of tar (all of more or less distinct
characters) obtainable from a series of various Victorian woods is given in a table
annexed to this report, so also the proportionate yield of medicinal aloe from several
species of Aloe ; saponin from the root and bark of Acacia lophautlia and A.
decurrens ; caoutchouc from Ficus macrophylla ; potash from Eucalyptus and Fern-
tree ashes ; tannic acid from the catechu of Acacia decurrens. These experiments,
as arranged by me, were conducted by Mr. L. Rumtnel.

An index of the articles sent from my laboratory to the London Exhibition, is
appended to this document. Among the exhibits pure alcohol from the sawdust of
Eucalyptus wood (from which also paper-paste and oxalic acid, together with other
products, may be obtained) attracted much attention in the home-country.

Many other experiments were carried on during the latter time of my
possessing the means for some laboratory work. Thus, the acids of our Casuarinas
(in this instance of C. quadrivalvis) were subjected to analysis, and the presence
of citric acid, accompanied by two other organic acids, was shown in the foliage of
these trees. As usual, numerous investigations of these kinds gave negative results.
The percentage of the volatile oil in the foliage of Melaleuca hypericifolia, M.
decussata, Callistemon rigidus, C. rngulosus, Agonis flexuosa, Eucalyptus cornuta,
E. colossea, .E. populnea, E. calophylla, E. nutans, though known to be small, was
also ascertained, while I was commencing to study the physical and technological
properties of each. For all these purposes the control over the Botanic Garden at
the time, and the utilization of its industrial plants, afforded then additional facilities
for such kinds of researches.

As further experiments on new substances may be adduced, those on the dye
principles of three species of native Droseras or Sundew herbs ; also the results

6

attained by experiments on rabbits, that Burchardia umbellata and Anguillaria aus-
tralis, although belonging to the melanthaceous and therefore partly poisonous tribe
of Liliacese, contain no noxious principles in their tuberous roots. In the search for
salep in the tubers of our terrestrial Orchidese the common Microtis porrifolia gave the
best, indeed highly satisfactory, results. In drying, the roots of this species evolve
a slight violet odor, and ten grains of the dry powder produces one ounce of good
pale mucilage, free of bitterness. The tubers of Thelymitra aristata, although still richer
in mucilage, are slightly bitter and of brownish tinge. As yet, but few of the numerous
Orchids of Victoria are examined in this respect, as these tests came to a perfect
close ; but the few kinds of Pterostylis tubers experimented on proved inferior to
those of Microtis.

Among the articles sent to the last London Exhibition, the Eucalyptus tars, also
potash from the Eucalypts, various fibres, including those of some common rushes
and grasses, the material for superior paper to supplement the supply of rags and
sparta, and many other native products, will be early destined to add to our exports,
as already explained years ago in my lectures on forest industries, objects of botanic
gardens and application of phytology to the practical purposes of life ; which lectures
are perhaps deserving, for promotion of new rural engagements, to reappear in a new
edition. The value of the cajeput-oil of our Eucalypts and allied trees was
explained in my first report to the Legislative Council of this colony as far back as
1853 (at page 6), in which document already many other of our future resources
were distinctly indicated or foreshadowed amidst the agitations of the earliest gold
times.

The persevering ingenuity and the intelligent application of capital of one
gentleman, Joseph Bosisto, Esq., of Richmond, have raised the production of various
kinds of Eucalyptus oil to a flourishing industry, though in first instance indicated or
called forth by the labors of my own department. So we have other mercantile
commodities, the value of which I foresaw, and the recognition of which, here and
abroad, I always aided, not only by departmental but also unofficial efforts. Thus it
was in the Botanic Garden of Melbourne, and there only, where Mons. Kamel
became, twenty years ago, first acquainted with the Eucalyptus globulus, and where
this enlightened and patriotic gentleman could recognise its celerity of growth and its
resistance to dry heat, the quality of its timber being then already known. Hence arose,
for many years under almost my sole aid, M. Kamel's introduction of this tree and
several other Eucalypts to South France and Algeria, while by unceasing efforts on my
part, under much discouragement and adversity, I endeavoured to do my public duty
also in this direction towards my adopted country, by finding for the Eucalypts, first of
all in numerous species (140 now being known, irrespective of what may exist in
Eastern New Guinea), a place in many countries of both hemispheres. The medicinal
experiments, especially as regards the value of these trees, through therapeutic and
climatic action, in intermittent fevers, their antiseptic properties and other qualities for
hygienic purposes, were instituted in fever regions of various parts of South Europe
and South America, of which we are happily almost free ; and this mainly on material
from trees, for the early introduction of which into these countries I was instrumental
myself while performing the duties of my office, or while promoting scientific research
out of private and but slender means. Exertions like these have much brought about
the extensive exports of Eucalyptus seeds, increasing from year to year, to any places
of the world free of severe frosts and free of intense damp heat ; the way for this,
like in other instances, was paved by extensive correspondence in several languages,
by manifold literary writings, by active co-operation in exhibitions, ever since 1854,
bv interchanges for test culture, by oral explanations of almost daily occurrence, and
finally by unsparing application of any private resources of my own. In the benefits,
which hence have arisen to us here, also the surrounding colonies have long since
participated. Our Industrial City-Museum contains samples of many technologic
products furnished by my department, such as new and various paper material, fibres,
fixed and distilled oils, native potash, soda, dyes, tars, acetic wood acid, wood alcohol,
bromine, iodine and many other substances from native material, still lying latent,
though extant in boundless quantity ; yet, as may be imagined, all these exhibit only
very fragmentary the resources of our indigenous vegetable wealth, not to speak of
the commercial and industrial articles which can be obtained, either by direct yield or
by the application of chemical or industrial processes, from the almost endless number
ot foreign plants calculated to prosper under the Australian sky. In order, therefore,

to enable me to resume my labors also in this direction, T would respectfully recom-
mend, as one of the needful measures, that my laboratory, with all its appliances,
together with its former modest working vote, be restored to my use, and that the
simple analyses of soil, lately — so I understand — performed there, may be carried out
at a convenient closeness to the department, to which this particular branch of the
public service belongs, and in a special structure for that purpose, which need not be
expensive.

Turning now to the field services during the year, it is incumbent on me to
allude, at least briefly, to the various journeys performed by myself, such as they have
been, without the needful votes, either for any field collector or for the requirements
of the head of the department.

From the 11th to the 17th December I was engaged in various observations on
the plants in the forest regions of the Upper Yarra and the southern branches of the
Goulburn River, adding to my definitions and localities of the plants of Victoria,
and obtaining some species of leading interest for the u educational collections. 77 In
these sylvan tracts I also instituted various measurements of the heights of Eucalyptus
amygdalina (var. regnans), so far as my brief stay admitted, the greatest heights
obtained being approximately 400 feet. To some apparently higher trees I could not
obtain access during my short stay and with the means at my command, as the dense
jungle would require to be cleared for a base line. It is my intention to resume these
investigations at an early date, with the prospect of renewed su pport in the commenced
new financial } r ear. The magnificent Festuca dives, discovered by me in West Gipps-
land during my travels in 1860, was now ascertained to have a wide range through
the forests towards the Yarra and Goulburn sources, where, among grasses, it forms
a most stately object, the height of twelve feet being not unusual, while occasionally
this superb grass in the ferntree gullies, on rivulets, attains in rich soil to seventeen
feet. Among grasses, fit to live under the shade of trees, it becomes for humid locali-
ties one of the most eligible ; for although the broad foliage is somewhat coarse, yet
the panicle of seeds is very ample and nutritious. This Festuca is one of the most
desirable for scenic group planting in horticulture. Mr. C. Walter , to whose disin-
terested zeal the field service of my institution owes so much, was in this short journey
part of the time my companion. The completion of the railway line to Wodonga
afforded an easy opportunity for approach to the Hume River district, which was left
by me untraversed, when in 1854 I forced, as a pioneer, my way through the whole
length of the Mitta-mitta country (then ascending, naming, and measuring Mount
Hotham and other alpine heights), and when in 1855 I approached and traversed our
north-eastern high alps from the Snowy River. With the utterly reduced means of
my department this new journey through a large, and by me hitherto entirely unex-
plored district, could not have been carried out even in its hurried course, had it not
been for the generosity of the settlers on the line of my travels, among whom I should
especially mention James Findlay, Esq., of Towang, and Sydney Watson, Esq., of
Walwa, as deserving prominent recognition for the aid afforded to this enterprise.
The lagoons and other waters of the Hume system afforded, at even a hasty inspec-
tion, on but a few places, many rare water plants, among which the Brasenia was
particularly conspicuous. Many plants, new to Victoria, and a few new to science,
recorded among those in the appended list, were obtained from the watercourses and
the high romantic granite mountains of the extra-alpine regions, and additional obser-
vations were instituted for my descriptive volume on the highland and partly glacier
vegetation, large masses of icy snow existing in January on the gentle eastern terminal
slopes of the ranges, while on the abrupt western faces the glaciers had just only
melted before the summer sun.

To tourists, who may desire to spend some time in the fresh, cool and bracing
alpine air, away from the midsummer heat of our lowlands, the ascent of the alps
along the Hume River is best accomplished from the eastern side, whence the more
gradual slopes render the access of horses comparatively easy ; while, however, the
banks of the river are stretching on many places to the western base of the snowy
mountains, from whence starting points are obtainable for pedestrian ascents from
lovely camps at the very foot of the bold and grand chain of ranges. Once mounted,
the summits of the alps are traversable for many miles without much impediment, the
whole terminal portions, from 6,000 to 7,000 feet elevation, being above the region of
trees and even shrubs, open therefore in all directions ; while a second spring can be
enjoyed by the visitor here long after the spring flowers of the lowlands have passed

8

away. The variety of the plants, peculiar to these alpine heights is most charming,
about one hundred species being restricted to elevations, on which snow falls during
the greater part of the year.

It would lead too far to enter in this document on any details of the vegetation
of the Hume River country, as, moreover, the special phytographic observations find
best their place in the works specially designed for the purpose. But I would wish
to allude here to an important horticultural acquisition, which emanated from this
journey, namely, a crimson variety of the almost arborescent Correa Lawrenciana of
Sir William Hook er, which variety was never seen before, combining all the brilliancy
of the flowers of C. speciosa with a hardy endurance to a cold clime, with very tall
and stately growth, and with a shining lustre of large leaves. An entirely new tree,
probably of medicinal value, the Bertya Findlayi, was also discovered ; while several
Euealypts of New South Wales were noticed, which seem not to occur in other parts
of our colony. The Tasmanian sassafras tree, pepper tree and bluegum tree, with
many other southern forms of vegetation, were traced for the first time so far north,
and really into the territory of New South Wales. The elevations to which
numerous lowland plants ascend into the snowy ranges was also determined on this
occasion. An Italian, Casparo Mussio, who accompanied me through Mr. Findlay’s
kindness, and was familiar with many parts of these alps, proved an able companion.
To do, however, justice to the task of examining the vegetation of so wide a tract of
country closely— most parts of which as yet uninhabited and naturally of difficult
access— it would be needful to devote many months specially for the purpose of
penetrating through many of the mountain recesses, and of watching the numerous
different plants throughout the season. Cursorily as this first journey necessarily
was, which occupied my time from the 6th to the 26th January, it leaves, at all
events, the vegetation of the Hume River district no longer unrepresented in our
collections.

From the 18th till the 25tli of February I went to the country about Mount
Gellibrand, Mount Emu, Mount Elephant and to many interjacent localities, on which
I did not touch, when proceeding on a more southern route to the Grampians and
adjoining ranges in 1853. In these new travels I enjoyed every consideration and
local support from Sam. Wilson, Esq., the Hon. Philip Russell, M.L.C., and Alex.
Wilson, Esq. Irrespective of further tracing the geographic limits of many rare
plants of the Western districts, I proved here the existence of the genius Wolffia, of
the occurrence of which in any part of Australia we were not previously aware.
From the 26tli of February till the 10th of March I proceeded through the ranges
and heaths west of Cape Otway, the whole of the country in that direction having
been beyond my reach, when, in 1857, the dense forests towards Apollo Bay and
thence to Cape Otway came within the scope of my phytologic explorations. ' The
very tall but extremely slender tree fern, Cyathea medullaris, first found by Mr. Wilkinson
during Ins partial geologic survey of these regions, seems not to extend so far west
as my journey through the coast tracts carried me ; but several other ferns of great
rarity were observed in the deep, dark and ever humid glens, and the areal extent
of many species of plants, the changes of their varieties, and their relation to
geological and climatic conditions was traced to the rivers Curdie and Gellibrand.
In this part of my recent travels I experienced most liberal aid from Dr. Curdie
M.A., J.P., of Tondarook, and from Messrs. Oliver of the Gellibrand River. An
important work, in which the department has shared during the year, consists in the
elucidation of the plants of Lord Howe’s Island, largely accessible to us through the
disinterested stay of Mr. Fullagar (accompanied j>y Mr. Lind) for nearly a year on
this very isolated and phyto-geographically highly remarkable oceanic spot. I have
not deemed it necessary to occupy in this already somewhat extended Report any
space with references to amateur contributors who enriched our collections, as the
names of finders of any rare or new plants, which may become at any time accessible
to me, are recorded with scrupulous conscientiousness in the pages of my descriptive

Lastly, it remains for me to refer to the issue of the educational collections
as an additional engagement initiated in the departmental service. I had W in
contemplation to arouse a more general and popular interest in the native vegetation
surrounding us by choosing some means, for instilling the very first distinctions,

more
lectures.

inviting

^ , i v v o luoiiutuuus.

than the use of text-books, and more fascinating than scholastic
1 hough my aims were also— and not unsuccessfully so— in this direction,

9

by securing and arranging methodically the plants in growth at the Botanic Gardens
until that work became impaired, and finally impeded, if not even largely destroyed ; yet
I felt that an impetus should he given to the study, especially of native plants, at any
place also far beyond the reach of gardens of instruction, and to any one, who might
hesitate to address me in correspondence, however cheerfully 1 have named plants,
and explained their scientific and utilitarian hearings almost daily during these twenty
years and more. To lead, therefore, by some more direct and universal action the
attention of the now numerous inhabitants of our colony to a more scientific con-
templation of the plants which, in our winterless zone, present themselves successively
throughout the year to our views, I required to furnish starting points on many
places for local studies. This design I hoped most pleasingly and lastingly to attain
by commencing the “ educational collections,” to be located in the rooms of such
public institutions as during the ordinary hours of recreation and leisure are
accessible. Each fascicle is to contain fifty species of natural specimens, in a pressed
and dried state, and is to exhibit as many representative forms of genera and orders
as conveniently at any particular period of issue can be gathered, and each species
is to be accompanied by annotations on its scientific name, its English appellation (if
such in rare instances exists), its geographic limits, and some of its literature. By
adopting such a plan I could bring a number of typical forms of plants for inde-
pendent identification or comparison of the plants of any district before the views
of local observers, who could not fail to recognise from the indications thus offered, .at
once, a multitude of plants, whether specifically or generically, at the very vicinity
of their habitations. The first fascicle now contains representations of fifty genera,
and nearly as many natural orders. The present edition, for mere want of financial
support to my department, was limited to 100 copies, involving nevertheless the
drying of about 10,000 specimens, inasmuch as each species had to be exhibited not
only in flower, but in fruit also. This edition can be extended according to the
means available, at any season for collecting and drying purposes, and for obtaining
the necessary paper and board-covers. On the extent of these means must also
depend the more or less rapid or tardy issue of subsequent fascicles. The two
assistants of the department, Mr. G. Luehmann and Mr. C. Groener, deserve praise
for having given up much of their time on holidays, and at early and late hours, to
obtain and prepare a large share of the plants for the 100 copies of this first fascicle.
In the embarrassed state of the department, also, this work had to be carried on under
great disadvantage, because not even a single packing or drying room is left me, the
only building space remaining at my disposal for the whole departmental work
in every branch being the Museum room, which is overcrowded by the normal
collections, and to which no building additions have been made during the last
sixteen yeai-s, notwithstanding repeated solicitations.

Thus the process of drying plants for any of our departmental purposes has to
be carried out in the Museum room itself, while thereby the safety, of the normal col-
lection became and still becomes endangered through the invasion of insects from
freshly gathered plants. The irreparable injury, to which thus the Museum plants are
exposed, may at any time befall not only plants gathered since the last thirty-five years
by myself, but also specimens even from still remoter times, wliicn out of the hands of
celebrated authors and travellers passed early into my care. A valuable chemical
auxiliary for maintaining our Museum plants in preservation we have found in the
bisulphid of carbon, applied according to M. Lenormand’s method, as recommended
in the Bulletin de la Societe Botanique de France , 1858. In connection with this
subject, it remains for me yet to bring under your favorable notice, that although the
collections of Australian plants in our Museum are by far the largest in the world, > et
the extra- Australian section of the Museum should be widely extended, lo attain this
object speedily and advantageously a double measure is recommendable : hirst, the
maintenance (as in former years) of a field collector in localities yet rich in new plants,
with a view of affording us not solely some direct additions to our own Museum
treasures, but, furthermore, also the means for interchanges, without which no con-
tinuous access to plants of value and novelty can be obtained from institutions, of
kindred tendency abroad ; nor could we keep pace with them in our own progressive
study. The second measure would be to secure by purchase an extensive collection
of extra- Australian museum plants, rich in authentic specimens ol those writers, who
issued their phytographic works in the earlier parts ol this century, in order. to enable
us here, for all times, to institute independent critical comparison, and to give us the
No. 70. b

10

best of basis to work on for the identification and classification of any plant of the
globe. The acquisition of such a collection would long since have been realized out
of my private resources, had they not been absorbed in the struggle through years of
maintaining a department, created by myself, in its lasting efficiency and scientific
dignity ; while the addition of large extra-Australian collections of authoritative impor-
tance to the great treasures here already accumulated would render our phytologic
Museum one of the most important of the globe, and would confer benefits and facilities
on the scientific service of this colony for all future generations.

I have the honor, Sir, to be

Your obedient servant,

FEED. YON MUELLER.

A suggestion of mine, made to the Board of Education in 1872, and on which
could not be acted while the changes in the school system of the country were
contemplated, may now be deserving of consideration. It was to this effect, that at
each school an annual prize should be held out for the best contribution to a collection
of dried native plants at each school. The requisite scientific information I offered to
afford, if a numbered duplicate set of any such plants were sent to my office.

APPENDIX.

hhlk

(Vi^j ?1 C ?‘5'J

C©?'/ 1

SEVENTH SYSTEMATIC INDEX OF THE PLANTS INDIGENOUS TO THE

COLONY OF VICTORIA.

Dl COT YLEDONEiE.

Ranuncu lacece .

Ranunculus Muelleri, Bentbam.

Cruciferce .

Menkca australis, Lehmann.

Geococcus pusillus, Drumm. & Harv.
Malcolmia Africana, R. Brown.

Cakile maritima, Scopoli.

Lepidium foliosum, Desvaux.

Iihcimrmcea ?.

Pomaderris phillyroides, Sieber.

Euphorbiacece .

Bertya Findlay i, F. v. M.

Stackhousiacece.

Stackhousia viminea, Smith.

Haloragece .

Myriophyllum ampliibium, Labill.
verrucosum, Lindl.

Mueller i, Sonder.

Leguminosce.

* Vicia birsuta, Koch.

Myrtacece .

Ilomorantbus virgatus, Cunningham.

Saxifragece .

Eucrypbia Moorei, F. v. M.

Umbelliferce.

Apium leptopliyllum, F. y. M.

Actinotus Heliantbi, Labill.

Composite.

Centipeda tliespedioides, F. v. M.

* Sonchus maritimus, Linne.

* Crepis virens, Villars.

* Picris cchioides, Linne.

Lobeliaccce .

Lobelia rbombifolia, Vriese.

Polemoniacece.

* Navarretia involucrata, Ruiz et Paron.

Labiatece .

Westringia eremicola, Cunningham.
Prostantliera Walteri, F. v. M.
debilis, F. v. M.

Lentibularince .

Utricularia lateriflora, R. Brown.

Plantaginece.

Plantago Gunnii, J. Hooker.

Salsolacece.

Atriplex crystallinum, J. Hooker.

Proteaccce.

Grevillea ramosissima, Meissner.

MONOCOTYLEDONEiE.

Orchidece.

Pterostylis semirubra, F. v. M.

Liliacece.

Scbelbammera undulata, R. Brown.
Eriocaulece.

Eriocaulon Smitbii, R. Brown.

Graminece .

Sporobolus pulchellus, R. Brown.

elongatus, R. Brown.

Aristida vagans, Cavanilles.

Trirapbis mollis, R. Brown.
Elythrophora articulata, Beauvois.
Eriochloa punctata, Hamilton.

Panicum Brownii, Roem. et Schult.
divaricatissimum, R. Brown.

* sangui nale, Linne.

* Crus galli, Linne.

Festuca dives, F. v. M.

Fordeana, F. v. M.
fuse a, Linne.

Poa lepida, F. v. M.

Hierochloa rariflora, J. Hooker.
Andropogon anuulatus, Forskoel.
refractus, R. Brown,
montanus, Roxburgh.

Ebrbarta distichopbylla, Labillardiere.

Cyperacece .

Cyperus unioloides, R. Brown.

Uncinia riparia, R. Brown.

Carex striata, R. Brown.

Lemnacece.

Lemna oligorrbiza, Kurz.

polyrrhiza, Linne.

Wolffia Michel i, Scbleiden.

Najadeai.

Potamogcton compressus, Linne.
crispus, Linne.

Acotyledoneje.

Filices.

Cyathea medullaris, Swartz.

Dicksonia davallioides, R. Brown.
Davallia pyxidata, Smith.

Asplenium Nidus, Linne.

Aspidium molle, Swartz,
liispidum, Swartz.

Polypodium membranifolium, R. Brown.
Pteris coinans, G. Forster.

Fungi.

(By the Rev. M. I. Berkeley, M.A.)

Agaricus excoriatus, Fries.

tuber igena, Berkeley,
luminans, F. v. M.

12

Agaricus candescens, F. v. M.
scabriusculus, Berkeley,
caryophylleus, Berkeley,
pudicus, Fries,
tener, Schaeffer,
globigera, Berkeley,
campestris, Linne.
semiglobatus, Batsch.
papiliouaceus, Bulliard.

Bolbitius titubans, Fries.

Hygropborus ceraceus, Fries,
nigricans, Berkeley.

Marasmius lirematocephalus, Montagne.
ferruginous, Berkeley.

Panus coriaceus, Berkeley.

Boletus ananseceps, Berkeley.

Polyporus australis, Fries,
scruposus, Fries.

Plilebia reflexa, Berkeley.

Thelephora dendritica, Fries,
congests, Berkeley,
luteo-cincta, Berkeley,
exsculpta, Berkeley.

Stereum elegans, Fries.

papyraceum, Montagne.

Corticium Auberianum, Montagne.

Clavaria abietina, Schumacher,
lorithamnus, Berkeley,
rugosa, Bulliard.

Tremella mosenterica, Retzius.
Hirneola hispidula, Berkeley.
Guepinia peziziformis, Berkeley.
Laschia micropus, Berkeley.

Geastor Drummondi, Berkeley.
Xylopodium Australe, Berkeley.
Scleroderma Geaster, Fries.

Bo vista, Fries,
vulgare, Fries.

Aseroe rubra, La Billardiere.
Heodictyon gracile, Berkeley.
Puccinia malvacearum, Montagne.
Lecythea Uni, L6veille.

JEeidium microstomum, Berkeley.
Roestelia polita, Berkeley.

Ustilago carbo, Tulasne.

Isaria graminiperda, Berk. & Muell.
Rhino trichum pulchrum, Berkeley.
Cladosporium lierbarum, Link.
Geoglossum hirsutum, Persoon.

glabrum, Persoon.

Peziza cochleata, Hudson.

repanda, Wahlenberg.
hirneoloides, Berkeley.
Adamsoni, Berkeley.
Cordyceps Gunnii, Berkeley.

entomorrh iza, F ries.

Xylaria ectogramma, Berkeley,
phosphor ea, Berkeley.

ADDITIONS TO THE GENERA OF PLANTS OF AUSTRALIA SINCE THE ISSUE OF

THE LAST REPORT.

Malcolmia, R. Brown.

Cananga, Rumph.

Ganophyllum, Blume.

Cory nocarpus, R. & G. Forster.

Rourea, Aublet.

Tricholobus, Blume.

Carmichael ia, R. Brown.

Ilex, Linne.

Macgregoria, F. v. M.

Bischoffia, Blume.

Aporosa, Blume.

Dissiliaria, F. v. M.

Lager stroemia, LinnA
Agrimonia, Linne.

Amorphospermum, F. v. M.

Acicalyptus, A. Gray.

Corylopsis, Sieb. & Zucc. (add. Order Hama-
melideae.)

Porospermum, F. v. M.

Aralia, Linne.

Motherwellia, F. v. M.

Colmeiroa, F. v. M.

Embothrium, R. & G. Forster (Sect. Oreocallis.)
Negria, F. v. M.

Coilocarpus, F. v. M.

Cypselocarpus, F. v. M.

Boehmeria, Jacquin.

Ulmus, Linne (Sect. Microptelea.)
Epipogium, Gmelin.

Eulophia, R. Brown.

Rhamphidia, Lindley.

Corymbis, Thouars.

Goodiera, R. Brown.

Alpinia, Linne.

Elettaria, White.

Araomum, Linne.

Tapeinocheilos, Miquel.

Iris, Linne (Sect. Morasa.)
Aschersonia, F. v. M.
Chamaescilla, F. v. M.

Stawellia, F. v. M.

Floriscopa, Loureiro.

Clinostigma, Wendl. nepos.

Areca, Linne.

Megalotheca, F. v. M.

Ecdeiocolea, F. v. M.

Hypolytrum, L. C. Richard.
Apluda, Linne.

Wolffia, Horckel.

Monogramme, Commerson.
Spiridens, Nees.

FOSSIL GENERA HITHERTO HERE DEFINED.

Spondylostrobus, F. v. M.
Phymatocaryon, F. v. M.
Trematocaryon, F. v. M.
Rhytidotheca, F. v. M.
Plesiocapparis, F. v. M.

Celyphina, F. v. M.
Odontocaryon, F. v. M.
Concliotheca, F. v. M.
Penteune, F. v. M.

13

INDEX OF COLLECTION OF

VEGETABLE PRODUCTS
EXHIBITION.

SENT TO THE LAST LONDON

Fibre of Cordyline Forsteri, F. v. Mueller.

J5 „ indivisa, Kunth.

„ Yucca gloriosa, L. and Y. filamentosa, L.

„ Linum usitatissimum, L.

„ Fourcroya gigantea, Vent.

,, Doryantbes excelsa, Corr.

„ Agave Americana, L.

„ Hibiscus Syriacus, L.

„ „ splendens, Fras.

„ Pimelea pauciflora, Br.

„ „ microcepliala, Br.

„ Arundo conspieua, Forst.

„ „ Donax, L.

„ Canna edulis, Edw.

„ Abutilon venosum, Hooker.

„ „ striatum, Dicks.

„ Dianella longifolia, Br.

„ Bracbychiton populneum, Br.

„ Broussonetia papyrifera, Vent.

„ Iris compressa, Tbunb.

„ Phormium tenax, Forst. var. Colensoi.

„ Boehmeria nivea, Gaudich.

,, Antholyza JEtbiopica. L.

„ Pipturus propinquus, Wedd.

„ Juncus vaginatus, Br.

„ Sisyrincbium paniculatum, Br.

„ Si da retusa, L.

„ Pbragmites communis, Trin.

„ Anigosanthus flavidus, Redoute.

„ Plagianthus pulchellus, Gray.

Oil distilled from Rosmarinus officinalis, L.

„ „ Melaleuca ericifolia, Sm.

„ „ „ bypericifolia, Sm.

„ „ „ decussata, Br.

„ „ Eucalyptus diversicolor, F. v. M.

„ „ „ polyantbemos, Scbauer.

„ „ „ calopbylla, Br.

„ „ „ obcordata, Turcz.

?? ,, „ Stuartiana, F. v. M.

„ „ „ gonioealyx, F. v. M.

99 99 „ cornuta, Labillard.

99 „ „ melliodora, A.Cunningh.

„ „ Callistemon rigidus, Br.

99 „ „ rugulosus, Cand.

„ „ Agonis flexuosa, Candolle.

,, „ Lavandula Stoechas, L.

99 „ Mentba piperita, L.

„ pressed from seeds of Papaver somniferum, L.

„ ,, Helianthus annuus, L.

99 „ „ Brassica oleracea, L.

„ „ „ Linum usitatissimum, L.

99 ,, „ PrunusAmygdalus, J. Hook.

99 „ „ Ricinus communis, L.

Tar from Pinus Laricio, Poire t.

„ „ pinaster, Soland.

„ „ piaea, L.

„ „ insignis, Dougl.

99 „ longifolia, Roxb.

99 „ Haleppensis, Miller.

„ Cupressus macro car pa, Hartw.

„ Bursar ia spinosa, Cavan.

„ Myoporum iusulare, Br.

„ Casuarina quadrivalvis, Labill.

99 Banksia marginata, Cavan.

„ Acacia melanoxylon, Br.

„ „ decurrens, Willd.

„ Melaleuca ericifolia, Sm.

„ Angophora intermedia, Cand.

99 Eucalyptus leucoxylon, F. v. M.

„ „ obliqua, l’llerit.

„ „ globulus, Labill.

99 „ rostrata, Scblecbt.

„ Wood-Vinegar residue of Euc. glob., Lab.

Eight small boards coated with different tars.

Acetic Acid from Casuarina quadrivalvis, Labill.

„ „ Banksia marginata, Cavan.

No. 70.

Acetic Acid from Acacia melanoxylon, Br.

„ „ Acacia decurrens, Willd.

„ „ Melaleuca ericifolia, Sm.

„ „ Angophora intermedia, Cand.

„ „ Eucalyptus leucoxylon, F. v. M.

„ „ „ obliqua, PHerit.

„ „ „ globulus, Labill.

„ „ „ rostrata (purified), Schl.

Alcohol, 10 samples from the preceding 10 kinds of
wood.

Galls from Acacia pycnantha, Bentham.

„ „ acinacea, Lindl.

„ „ decurrens, Willd.

Hops from Humulus lupulus, L.

Nuts from Helicia ternifolia, F. v. M.

Tea from Thea Cbinensis, Sims.

99 „ „ var. Assamica.

Medicinal Bark of Pimelea serpillifolia, Br.

Truffle, Mylitta Australis, Berk.

Kino from Eucalyptus viminalis, Labill.

Crude Potash from Eucalyptus viminalis, Labill.

99 „ „ rostrata, Schlecht.

99 „ Dicksonia Antarctica, Labill.

Starch from grains of Andropogon saccharatus, Roxb.
„ roots of Rumex bidens, Br.

99 „ Typha Muelleri, Rohrbacb.

„ „ Ipomoea Batatas, Poir.

„ „ Scirpns maritimus, L.

„ „ Canna edulis, Edw.

Acetate of Soda from Eucalyptus globulus, Labill.
Acetate of Lime from Eucalyptus globulus, Labill.
Paper from Bark of Pimelea microcepliala, Br.

99 „ Eucalyptus gonioealyx, F. v. M.

99 99 „ globulus, Labillard.

yy 99 „ corymbosa, Smith.

„ „ •„ amygdalina, Labill.

99 99 „ Stuartiana, F. v. M.

99 „ rostrata, Scblecbt.

Aloe by exudation from Aloe socotrina, L.

„ pressing „ „

„ boiling „ ' „

„ pressing „ plicatilis, Mill.

yy yy „ saponaria, Haw.

99 99 „ arborescens, Mill.

Pitch from Pinus insignis, Dougl.

„ „ Haleppensis, Mill.

99 „ Eucalyptus globulus. Lab.

Catechu from Acacia decurrens, Will’d.

99 „ var. dealbata, Link.

„ saligtia, Wendl.
yy 99 pycnantha, Bentb.

Sandarac from Callitris verrucosa, Br.

Gum from Acacia bomolophylla, A. Cunn.

,, Bracbychiton populneum, Br.

Lerp manna from Eucalyptus oleosa, F. v. M.

Opium from Papaver somniferum, L.

Safflower from Cartbamus tinctorius, L.

Sumach from Rhus coriaria, L.

„ » glabra, L.

„ » typbina, L.

Scotino from Rhus Cotinus, L.

Young fustic of Rhus Cotinus, L.

Salep of Microtis porrifolia, Spreng.

Snuff of Myriogyne minuta. Less.

Liquorice root of Glycyrrhiza glabra, L.

Cigars from leaves of Eucalyptus globulus, Lab. (six
sorts under Earners patent)

Fluid Kino of Eucalyptus obliqua, l’Herit.

Varnish from Resin of Xanthorrhoea Australis, Br.,,
and Alcohol of Euc. globulus
Saponin of* Albizzia lopbantha, Bentb.

Caoutchouc of Ficus macrophylla, Desfont.

„ „ carica, L.

Alcohol from the sawdust of Eucalyptus rostrata, Schl..
Eight distinct oils from the tar of Eucalyptus globulus.
Lab.

14

PROPORTIONS OF YIELD OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AT

BARON VON MUELLER’

Potash from the ashes of Eucalyptus rostrata 005*0
Potash from the ashes of Dicksonia antarctica 004*0
Tannin from the Catechu of Acacia decurrens 055*0
Saponin from the dried bark of the stem of

Acacia decurrens ... ... ... 005*0

Caoutchouc from sap of Ficus macrophylla ... 033*0

Tar from fresh wood of Pinus Laricio

(approx.) ... ... ... 003*0

,, Pinus siivestris ... ... ... 003*0

S LABORATORY IN 1873.

Tar from fresh wood of Pinus pinaster (approx.)

002*0

Pinus pinea ...

002*0

99

Pinus insignis...

002*0

99

Pinus longifolia

002*0

99

Pinus Haleppensis

002*0

99

Cupressus macrocarpa ...

004*0

99

Bursaria spinosa

003*0

99

Casuarina suberosa

002*0

99

Myoporum insulare

002*0

WORKING EXPENSES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT BOTANIST FROM

1st JULY 1873 TO 30th JUNE 1874.

Salary to Clerk and Museum Assistant

Salary to Assistant for out-door work — By Government paid for 33 days
Museum Material, from Sands and McDougall ...

Museum Material, from Moubray, Lush and Co.

One Venetian Blind
Office Stationery ...

Paper, Pasteboards &c., for Educational Collections
Remuneration to Orphan Boys

Cryptogamic Plants from Dulan and Co., for Museum
Queensland Plants, from S. H. Eaves, for Museum
Plants from Lord Howe’s Island, from J. P. Fullagar, for Museum
Freight and Incidental Expenses

Conveyance and Wages on Professional Journey to Upper Yarra and Upper
Goulburn

Conveyance and Wages on Professional Journey to the Hume River District
and Northern Snowy Mountains ... ... ... ..^

Conveyance and Wages on Professional Journey to Mt. Emu, Mt. Gellibrand,

Curdie’s Creek and Ranges west of Cape Otway
Conveyance to Fernshaw and back

Unexpended balance

£

s.

d.

140

17

0

12

7

6

31

18

11

6

3

0

2

10

6

11

17

4

14

3

8

1

19

6

7

9

0

5

0

0

10

0

0

22

16

10

9

11

0

8

14

6

13

0

0

1

7

0

£299

15

9

0

4

3

£300

0

0

»» CIO Uduomincu IU JUUUUU1I

of the Flora Australiensis, as on former occasions.

By Authority : J ohn Ferres, Government Printer, Melbourne,